Falmouth Teacher Named 2010 Teacher of the Year

Education Commissioner Sue Gendron presents 2010 Maine Teacher of the Year Award to Kevin Grover, second-grade teacher at D.W. Lunt School in Falmouth.

Kevin Grover is chosen from among 14 nominees

September 17, 2009

FALMOUTH – Education Commissioner Susan A. Gendron named Kevin M. Grover, a second-grade teacher at D.W. Lunt School in Falmouth, the 2010 Maine Teacher of the Year in front of students, colleagues, family, and other distinguished guests Thursday. In keeping with Maine tradition, Grover was not informed ahead of time that the “all-school assembly” was called to honor him.

“Kevin Grover is a wonderful example of what an elementary educator should be,” Gendron said. “Described as “creative”, “validating”, “low key”, and always wearing “great ties”, Mr. Grover is well respected by his colleagues and serves as a wonderful role model for his students.”

Gendron said colleagues at Lunt School say Grover’s classroom reflects his sense of humor and attitude, and that he has an exceptional ability to make learning both meaningful and fun for his students.

Grover taught grades one and two in Auburn before moving to Lunt School eight years ago. Grover said his classroom is an extension of himself, “a place where curiosity is nurtured and enthusiasm is contagious.”

Grover is a resident of Falmouth. He received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Maine at Farmington and his master’s in literacy from the University of Southern Maine.

The annual selection process began with 14 nominees, representing all grade levels. They were scored by a group of educators, administrators, business partners, and former Teachers of the Year to determine the semi-finalists. A school-wide nominating committee prepared the application packet to nominate Grover for the 2010 Teacher of the Year. The semi-finalists then underwent review by a team of educators who spent the day at their school last spring. During the summer, the semi-finalists compiled professional portfolios and gave a scored teaching demonstration to graduate students at the University of Maine at Orono. Those with the highest scores were named state finalists and interviewed by former Teachers of the Year to make the final determination.

In addition to Grover, the 2010 state finalists were Jayne Quinn Sawtelle, Fred P. Hall Elementary School, Portland and William “Bill” Thompson, Piscataquis Community High School, Guilford.

Thursday’s ceremony was attended by several former Maine Teachers of the Year. Also in attendance were: Evan Harding, of Hannaford Supermarkets, which gives financial support to the Teacher of the Year program; Nathan Poore, town manager of Falmouth; Beth Franklin, Falmouth School Board chair; other town and school officials; local legislators; former students, and members of Grover’s family.

Grover will go on to compete in the selection process for 2010 National Teacher of the Year which will be announced in April 2010 at the White House.

Gendron encouraged parents, teachers and other educators to begin thinking about nominating an outstanding teacher for 2011 Teacher of the Year.

“Nominating a teacher is a wonderful way to acknowledge support of their profession,” Gendron said. “The Maine Teacher of the Year program does not attempt to find the best teacher in the State; the goal is to find one to best represent all of the wonderful educators across the State and the amazing things happening in our classrooms.”

The nomination process for the next Teacher of the Year begins this November. Those interested in nominating a teacher should contact their school principal, or visit the Maine Department of Education website at: www.maine.gov/education/toy .

The Teacher of the Year program is coordinated by the Maine Department of Education, supported by the Maine State Teacher of the Year Association and the Maine State Board of Education, and is funded by Hannaford Supermarkets.

Downloadable photos from this event can be found here: http://www.maine.gov/education/news/images/

Jennifer Pooler, TOY Coordinator, 207-624-6638 | David Connerty-Marin, Director of Communications 207-624-6880

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Falmouth Teacher Named 2010 Teacher of the Year